Former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD turned the sod on the development of a new state of the art Interventional Cardiology Suite at Bon Secours Hospital Galway on November 10 last year. Exactly one year to the day, Deputy Enda Kenny returned to the hospital to officially open the new unit.

The Cardiac Unit treats patients requiring procedures such as angiography, cardiac angioplasty and electrophysiology including the insertion of cardiac pacemakers. The newly opened Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory uses the most up to date Siemens technology and houses a 10-bay patient recovery area to accommodate those patients being discharged home on the same day.

The development has also signified a number of new jobs for the Galway area including 20 clinical posts which were created to staff the unit as well as ancillary jobs in the construction industry associated with the build.

Bon Secours Hospital Galway Chief Executive, Gerry Burke said that the new Interventional Cardiology Suite and Interventional Laboratory treated its first patient on June 21 this year.

“It is a most significant addition to the range of clinical services offered by the hospital and it has been exceedingly well received by patients, Consultant Cardiologists, GP’s and other specialties in the hospital.

“The new Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic opened in August and this also has proved extremely popular for patients with acute cardiac symptoms. We look forward to developing the service further over the future years”.

Professor Kieran Daly, Consultant Cardiologist said the new service underpinned by the most modern Siemens Cath Lab technology is a most valuable addition to cardiac services in Galway and the broader catchment area.

“It further enhances the reputation of Bon Secours of providing excellent modern patient care and I am proud to be associated with the new service,” he added.

Mr Bill Maher CEO of Bon Secours Health System thanked Deputy Kenny for service to the country and his ongoing support to the people of the West and of the Bon Secours Galway.

“We are delighted that Deputy Kenny is here today on this special occasion to mark the official opening of the Cath Lab. It is only one year to the day that Mr Kenny performed the sod turning ceremony on this major capital investment and tremendous news that this world class facility is now complete. It is great that this facility is open and seeing patients and providing “good help to those in need” in Galway.

“This project, part of the BSHS ambitious 2020 plan, clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Advanced Medicine and Exceptional Care and I would like to thank Gerry Burke and all of his team for making it happen and the excellent care they provide our patients.”

“Our 2020 plan outlines our strategic goals and initiatives and in times of considerable pressure in our Public System is a call for more partnership working. The 2020 Plan sees a €150m capital investment across all hospitals in our Group, in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Tralee and our recent acquisition in Limerick as well our Care Village in Cork. As Ireland’s largest Private Healthcare provider, and a not for profit organization, we remain true to our founding mission and values and continue invest in our patients, staff and services for the future,” said Mr Maher.